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The Old Gray Mare

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Guard Against The Eye Disease Glaucoma

Posted Sunday, November 15, 2009 (7 days ago.) Viewed 19 times.

If you are in the age group of 60 and older, you are in the higher risk of developing Glaucoma. When left untreated, Glaucoma is likely to cause blindness.

There are several eye conditions that have serious consequences to your vision. Glaucoma is generally ranked as the second. People that suffer from Glaucoma have substantial pressure inside one or both eyes. This ultimately damages the optic nerve.

It is the optic nerve that is the communicating nerve between brain and each eye. Simply put, it sends signals that are interpreted by the brain and provide our vision.

Unfortunately, this pressure on the optic nerve strains that communication and may result in destroyed peripheral vision. As the disease takes hold, Glaucoma can and will damage the primary and central vision as well.

This is a stealthy disease often the sufferer will not be aware of symptoms until all the damage has occurred.

Who Is at Risk?

Glaucoma often affects several high-risk groups:

The African-American community aged 40 and older
Adult seniors aged 60 and older, and
Individuals of families with a known history of eye disease
People suffering from diabetes
People suffering from eye problems and diseases
People with a usage history of steroids

What Is the Most Common Glaucoma Form?

Primarily, Glaucoma presents as "Open-Angle Glaucoma." Sadly, this nasty eye condition sneaks up on its sufferers. There are no specific symptoms, yet it will permanently impair vision or, worse, cause blindness.

What Can You Do?

Be sure to get regular eye examinations. Have that famous "puff test" to discover potential problems. Early detection is key in finding a Glaucoma condition.

How Does the Doctor Screen for Glaucoma

Besides the famous "puff," the doctor will dilate the pupils of each eye and look deep inside. Careful study is made of the interior structure and optic nerve.

Also, the doctor will test peripheral vision. Examination of the optic nerve and any potential damage is noted.

How Often Should Eyes Be Examined

For people aged 40 and older, the medical profession recommends eye exams every five years. If the patient is in one of the high-risk groups, examinations should occur more frequently, possibly on an annual basis. Personally, The Old Gray Mare believes the recommended eye examination schedule of 5 years for individuals older than 40 is not really that cautious . Your eyes and vision are involved so why not screen more frequently? Better to be safer and not have hindsight remorse!

Be on guard against Glaucoma and take an active stand to screen against it.

This article and many other articles on helpful topics as well as horse articles by The Old Gray Mare are found on www.DressYourHorse.com.

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How to Properly Adjust Horse Blanket & Assure Horses Comfort

Posted Saturday, October 31, 2009 (21 days 21 hours ago.) Viewed 15 times.

The Old Gray Mare's previous article, "Decide On a Horse Blanket To Dress Your Horse or Not" discusses the pros and cons of blanketing horses. It also cites a few everyday scenarios when blanketing is advisable. This follow-up article defines responsibility of horse owner to horse(s) under his care, motto to keep horse comfortable in his blanket, and how to readjust the blanket properly. Horse Industry Endorsement

The use of horse blankets evokes a fair amount of indecision in horse circles and everyone has a strong opinion. Old timers believe that it is unnecessary to blanket horses since nature gave them short and long coats appropriate for the seasons. Other horse people use blankets and sheets selectively or for specific purposes, such as trailering or coat protection. Horse show people swear by horse clothing and blanket throughout the year for coat quality and maintenance, and color and sheen. In general, the horse industry endorses horse wearables for all breeds, horse sport and disciplines.

Horse Owner Responsibility to the Blanketed Horse -

Horses that are blanketed, whether indoors or outdoors, require frequent observance and checking. You want to be certain that the horse blanket fits properly, that the horse is not too hot or too cold in his garment, that the straps are in place, that he is not rubbing and that he is not entangled in any way. A blanket that fits well usually stays in place even if the horse is very active, rolls, kicks up his heels and acts like a horse.

If you dress your horse, diligently observe him and his comfort level. Check him for rubs, sores and tears in the clothing. A well-fitting blanket may twist or shift with activity or rolling. If you observe any hair rubs on the coat, or notice your horse is rubbing, add an undergarment or liner or guard and stop coat damage immediately.

Motto for Blanketing -

In short, your motto for blanketing should be "Measure him carefully, fit him well, check him often, readjust as necessary and monitor temperature changes consistently."

How We Do It at DressYourHorse -

At our stables, we remove horse blankets and sheets to groom and adjust them as necessary on a daily basis. Blankets come off each day for grooming and pampering - there are no short cuts and no exceptions! Grooming time and associated tasks are built into the schedule. This is the time to provide kind, thorough attention to every animal. Check out each horse for rubs, condition, etc. Our small barn is on a three-times a day feed schedule and each time, the horse clothing is checked and that is in addition to the daily grooming sessions. When weather conditions are unstable, we may even check more frequently in order to monitor temperatures. It is not at all unusual to layer blankets during the night and peel off coverings as the day progresses. Our horses love the attention!

How to Adjust Horse Blanket Properly -

Straighten your blankets and/or sheets by undoing them entirely and physically shifting them back into proper position. The Old Gray Mare recommends that you follow this simple procedure to fit and to readjust horse clothing:

1. Undo both leg straps first, then unclip the surcingle(s)

2. Unbuckle the chest strap

3. Fold up the rump (rear) portion of the blanket onto the withers

4. Slide the now half-folded blanket way back onto the rump

5. Assure yourself there is no dirt, sand, or chafed spots on the neck, withers and chest area

6. Lift the blanket up and off the horse and bring into correct position at the neck and withers

7. Keep one hand on the half-folded blanket (to keep it from slipping) while you quickly check the hindquarters

8. Unfold and move the whole blanket into correct position

9. Assure the blanket is centered along the spine of the horse

10. Assure the top front portion is aligned properly on the withers

11. Buckle the chest strap(s)

12. Move to the side of the horse and smooth blanket over hindquarters evenly from spine on both sides

13. Clasp surcingle(s)

14. Clip leg straps between hind legs criss-crossed under horse or passed between hind legs in parallel clip method

To summarize: undo straps and fasteners starting in back and moving to front, lift up the rear portion of the blanket(s) and fold forward to the withers, then lift completely off his back and put down again in the correct position.

There is lots of information to share with you about horse care and horse clothing. Another installment about horse blankets, "How to Care for Your Horse Blanket" is next.

This article and other horse-related articles are written by The Old Gray Mare of www.DressYourHorse.com.

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Find a Boarding Stable for Your Horse

Posted Saturday, October 31, 2009 (21 days 21 hours ago.) Viewed 20 times.

Congratulations. Your dream has come true and you are getting a horse. The excitement level around your house has no bounds. Here you are, aged 10, horse crazy and you think you are in heaven. In your mind, the only thing better in this whole horse thing would be having him or her in your backyard acres.

Horses Can Be a Lot of Work -

But take heart backyarding a horse is lots of work, responsibility, care, worry, and (did I say) work. Sometimes all that work puts a quick kabash on your enthusiasm. I always say that you can park a boat or bike when it's cold outside or when you want a few extra minutes curled up in bed, but you cannot park a horse he needs to eat, and get mucked out, and exercised, and he'd mostly like a lot of your attention.

Instead, you are truly lucky if you can begin your horse ownership at a boarding stable.

It's Up to You to Keep Your Commitment -

Your parents have already endorsed your commitment to a horse with one of their own covering the expenses. It is up to you to keep your commitment to both horse and to your parents.

Now then, lets get your horse settled in a boarding stable. I'm pretty sure that your parents have already completed the research on local stables. I'm likewise sure that driving distance and cost is a factor in your decision in all decisions. You'll also add safety and well-being of the horse as criteria.

You have narrowed down the stables to one or two. Everyone is in agreement with location, driving distance, expense. So go and interview the stable owners. You'll be asking a lot of questions and I suggest you go with a list of them. Cover all the bases at the beginning so you can make an informed choice. If you are interviewing several stables, ask the same questions, make the same inspections, and bring the family for their input.

First Impressions Checklist -

Upon arriving at the stable, check out the layout, the surroundings and the cleanliness. Here is a first impression/upon arrival checklist:

* Are the fences around ring and pastures sound and well maintained?

* What type of fencing surrounds the fields and pastures. Is it electric, wire mesh, board? If electric or wire fencing is used, are there safety boards across the top, tapes, etc. If wire fencing is used, could a horse get a foot through the holes in the fencing? Is the fencing barbed wire? If that answer is yes, my instant advice would be NO don't put your horse into that danger.

* Are the fences high enough that you horse cannot escape by jumping out?

* Are the fields well maintained with minimal soiled areas and no overgrown weeds?

* Is the stable located on a major roadway?

* Are there rocks, tree stumps, holes or obstacles in the pasture?

* Does the facility have a riding ring. Even better and in addition, does it have an indoor riding ring?

You Have Found THE Stable -

Your first impression is, "I love it." Great! So, have a look around. If this is an impromptu (no appointment with owners) visit, is anyone there to greet you or check you out? You might plan a surprise visit initially, but when you're really serious about moving your horse in, I suggest a set appointment with the owners.

You will have a close look around inside. Are the stalls large, roomy and bright. Are the walls safe and secure. Are the horses able to look out of a window that has a steel grate or heavy mesh covering over the glass? Can the horses see you approach at the stall door? How many horses are boarded/do the owners keep some horses of their own? Are the stalls clean? Are there strong urine or feces odors? Are the horses clean and well kept and in good flesh? Can you hear horses kicking or cribbing?

As you can see, there are many questions. But you have fallen in love with your horse already and you want to be sure he is safe in his new home, right?

As they say, "All systems are go." Everyone agrees this particular stable is the ideal place.

The Real Important Stuff Your Boarding Checklist -

Now, I highly recommend that you make a definitive agreement with the owners that clearly states all parties' responsibilities. You'll decide whether to full-board your horse: the stable feeds, cleans, and - based on agreement - handles and turns your horse out and brings him in daily; or stall only: you will need to feed at least twice daily, morning and night; or rough board: your horse is turned out and has a run in.

If your plans are to take lessons on your horse, to show your horse, to trail ride him, and to spend every spare minute of time loving him, then you will most likely elect the full-board option.

Here are your checkpoints using the full-board choice discuss everything fully with the stable owners and, preferably for everyone's best interests, enter into a written agreement:

** Board payment is due, promptly and in full, on the first of every month.

** How often can you visit use the facilities set clearly defined guidelines here. Ideally, you'll be able to visit your horse daily or close to it. If it's only weekly, use of the facilities for you and your horse during the visit becomes increasingly important since others may also be there and you'll all share.

** Discuss feed schedules, amount of grain/hay/vitamins, etc.

** How is mucking and manure disposal handled at the stable? What is used for bedding. Is the stall mucked out daily? Good idea for you to "apple pick" when you visit. Your horse will get to have you around and learn your ways. Just be careful. Don't get kicked. Use your best judgment.

** Is there a worming schedule?

** Will your horse go out to pasture daily? Will he be turned out with other horses? Is there a source of water? Shelter? If the weather turns inclement, will someone get him in ahead of normal schedule?

** How many people board and ride at the stable?

** Where will you leave your tack? Is there a tack room?

** Is there a toilet facility for the humans that visit the horses?

** If you have a horse trailer, can you park it at the stable?

** What arrangements does the stable have with a blacksmith? If you have a blacksmith in mind for your horse other than the stable farrier, are you permitted to bring him/her in to shoe your horse?

** Vet care and dental are very important issues. Who is the stable's vet? Are regular inoculation visits set up. Is there a regular horse dentist? Does the stable use a blanket cleaning service?

** Well, enough already. I have given you many pointers and some very important questions that should be asked. By no means is this list complete, so feel free to add and tweak the list. When you are ready, you will be able to make an informed choice and you parents will be so totally impressed with you!

This is another article on horses, horse care or horse blanket care by The Old Gray Mare. Additional articles by The Old Gray Mare can be found at website DressYourHorse.com.

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The Old Gray Mare is on SearchWarp

Guard Against The Eye Disease Glaucoma

How to Properly Adjust Horse Blanket & Assure Horses Comfort

Find a Boarding Stable for Your Horse

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